Posted 5:25 PM by heather
FrontPage magazine.com :: Egyptian Women Power by MEMRI
"And now some religious figures, among them the Mufti of Egypt, Dr. 'Ali Jum'ah, and Dr. Yousef Al-Qaradhawi, are leading the opposition to Sheikh Al-Azhar's decision and are completely ruling out a woman's presiding as a head of state. Why is this, honorable sirs? They answer: because of a woman's physiological disposition and her suffering during menstruation. My goodness, did menstruation prevent Margaret Thatcher from presiding as head of state? Does it prevent Egyptian peasant women from working the fields like men, from dawn to dusk? Does it prevent young female athletes from participating in Olympic competitions, where they play and compete with men? Who says that menstruation is an illness that interferes with a woman's work? What is more, pregnancy and childbirth don't interfere with women's work in the fields, in factories, in offices, and in embassies … the word 'menstruation' sounds strange and even ridiculous when men say it, especially when most women involved in politics, in presidential elections, and in other elections are over fifty years old, so that menstruation is irrelevant…"

Posted 1:32 PM by heather
The Chronicle: 3/4/2005: Primed for Numbers:

"Other studies establish a clear link between hormones and mathematical abilities, says David C. Geary, a professor of psychology at the University of Missouri at Columbia and author of Male, Female: The Evolution of Human Sex Differences (American Psychological Association, 1998). 'In transsexuals, when you suppress male hormones, their spatial abilities go down,' he says. 'When you give male hormones to women, their spatial abilities go up.'

A similar effect happens with female hormones, like estradiol and progesterone. During menstruation, when those substances are less concentrated in the bloodstream, women perform better on tests of spatial ability than they do closer to ovulation, Mr. Geary says. (Verbal abilities follow the opposite pattern during the menstrual cycle.)"

Posted 4:19 PM by heather
DEMYSTIFYING MENSTRUATION: U-M professor Sioban Harlow answers questions about a topic many find difficult to approach
DEMYSTIFYING MENSTRUATION: U-M professor Sioban Harlow answers questions about a topic many find difficult to approach

January 11, 2005
BY PATRICIA ANSTETT
FREE PRESS MEDICAL WRITER

Leading women's health experts are paying more attention to menstruation as a vital sign of a woman's general health. Variations may indicate problems with fertility, bone strength, heart disease and other problems.

But the menstrual period remains clouded in mystery and lack of information. Sioban Harlow, PhD, professor of public health at the University of Michigan, has spent her career studying menstruation. Here are excerpts from a recent interview with her about the latest research on menstruation:

Q: How many years will the average woman menstruate in her lifetime?
A: The median age of menarche (beginning of menstruation) is about 12 in our society. The median age of menopause (the point at which a woman has not had a period for one year) is about 51. So a woman can expect to menstruate for 39-40 years.

Q: How long, typically, is the time from one period to the next? How does that change over a woman's lifetime?
A: Twenty-eight days. The common pattern one tends to see is that cycles will be slightly longer in adolescence, perhaps 30 days, and they shorten to about 27 days, on average, in a population. Until age 25, cycles are somewhat more variable. Then, from 25 to 35 there's less variation. Then, in later reproductive life, one starts to get shorter cycles but with greater variability. There's more change in the length of the cycle, from one bleeding period to the next.

Q: How long does the typical period last?
A: Anywhere from two to five or six days, but it can be shorter or longer. Right after menarche, teenage girls may bleed slightly longer in the first five to seven years. As you age, you tend to have shorter cycles, into your 30s, and you bleed a little less. And as women move into the transition to menopause, they may bleed a little more. So over a woman's lifetime, what is usual (in the menstrual cycle) changes.

Q: What do we know about early menstruation?
A: The first six months tend to be slightly more variable, and a girl is less likely to ovulate. At age 25, cycles tend to be more variable. If a girl has amenorrhea (not menstruating), or delays having a period for three months, it suggests something else may be going on.

Q: What percentage of girls develop amenorrhea?
A: About 4 percent of women have cycles (between periods) longer than 90 days, or what we consider amenhorrea. But there isn't wonderful data on that.

Q: How do you define irregularity?
A: I like to use the term variability. How much does the cycle change from cycle to cycle? Is it very similar? Some people perceive a difference of one day as variability. What some have is more variable cycles when younger. There are things a woman needs to be concerned about when this happens. There are conditions such as polycystic ovaries (enlarged ovaries with cysts), which is characterized by amenorrhea or very infrequent cycling. Variability also is associated with insulin resistance and infertility. Women with very heavy bleeding, bleeding through protection or having to double up on it, should seek medical help.

Q: Is it important to keep a menstrual diary?
A: A diary can help girls and women understand what their menstrual pattern is. It can be particularly helpful for girls to keep diaries when they start to menstruate and through the teenage years. Keeping track of the cycle can be very helpful again as women move toward the end of reproductive life and begin to experience the changes of the menopausal transition.

Q: What causes menstrual cramps? What percentage of women/girls get them?
A: Menstrual cramps are associated with contractions in the uterine muscles and with the production of a set of chemicals in the body called prostaglandins. The most effective medications for these cramps are anti-prostaglandins, particularly the NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). They should begin taking medication the day before they expect their period to start.

Menstrual cramps that begin in adult women can also be a sign of other diseases such as uterine infection, endometriosis or fibroids. About 10 percent to 15 percent of women and girls have severe cramps during most of their periods. About 75 percent of adolescents will have at least some pain with menstruation, and about 50 percent of adult women will have at least some pain with menstruation.

As women get older and get sudden menstrual pain or worsened menstrual pain, that's a sign something is going on. It could be an infection, fibroids or endometriosis perhaps. Heavy bleeding is associated with fibroids, (non-cancerous growths), which we are finding occur in girls earlier than we thought. There are medications for heavy bleeding if it happens more than once and a woman has to change protection frequently. Choice of contraception can make a difference. There's also surgery.

Q: How would you advise parents to discuss menstruation with their daughters? What information should they convey? When should the conversation occur?
A: I would suggest that parents discuss menstruation with their daughters and sons, conveying the basics of the normal biology when young children ask questions and continuing to provide more information when they begin to discuss the body changes of puberty. In addition to the basic information about why we menstruate and menstrual hygiene, I would encourage girls to observe their own bodily changes closely so they understand the rhythms of their own cycle. One important fact to communicate is that maintaining the uterine lining, or endometrium, requires lots of energy, which is why we shed it when there is no pregnancy. That energy demand increases our need for food, and many girls and women need to consume more calories to satisfy their hunger in the second half of their menstrual cycle. It is not really that women develop food cravings before their period; it is just that their body needs more food, so remembering to eat breakfast and increasing food intake can be very helpful.

Q: What should a boy know about menstruation?
A: Just as girls should understand the changes boys go through during puberty, boys should understand the changes girls go through during puberty. Another important piece of information for both boys and girls is to understand the relationship between menstruation, ovulation, and the probability of getting pregnant.

Q: How do you convey a positive view of menstruation when talking about it with children? What words do you avoid or prefer?
A: It is important to explain menstruation as a normal biological function, like breathing. It is one of the normal biological rhythms, and observing that rhythm is important just as it is important to know when our bodies are tired and need to sleep. ... I think it is important to not use negative words and to provide information to help girls successfully manage the pain that can accompany menstruation.

Q: What do you think of menstrual suppression?
A: In the absence of pregnancy and lactation, the normal physiologic response is to menstruate. If a woman is not using contraception and is not pregnant or lactating, then absence of menstruation can signal a health problem and should be evaluated. When women use hormonal contraception of any type, they do not menstruate. The monthly bleeding on oral contraceptives is designed to mimic menstruation by what we call withdrawal bleeding, but the woman is not having a biologic menstrual cycle; the contraceptive hormones override the normal biology. In using any type of medication, it is important to balance the risks and benefits. We really do not know, as yet, whether it is important to mimic menstruation or not when women are using hormonal contraception. That is we do not know the effects on the uterus of long-term contraceptive use without withdrawal bleeding.

It is important to recognize, however, that using hormonal contraception and not menstruating is not biologically the same experience as being pregnant or lactating and not menstruating.

Q: What are some of the bigger questions about menstruation that researchers like you hope to get answered?
A: We are trying to understand more about the patterns that women experience throughout their life so that women and clinicians can know what to expect as women transition into, through and out of reproductive life. Information is very important to understanding the difference between normal changes and abnormality. We are currently very interested in developing a better understanding about the stages of reproductive aging, again so women can understand what to expect as they transition through to menopause. Another major question is how reproductive aging is, or is not, related to other aspects of aging and risks of chronic disease. Finally, understanding how stress affects reproductive function and developing new ideas about how women can influence the health of their reproductive system is a major priority.

Q: How did you get interested in menstruation as an academic subject?
A: When I was a senior in college (University of California, Berkeley), I was interested in women's health and occupational health, and I had to write a senior thesis. I just happened to read a book about menstruation. In the debate about coeducation in the late 1880s, one of the arguments against women going to college was menstruation. The theory was the body needed a certain amount of energy and women would need a certain amount of it during menstruation. When you look at the literature over 100 years, the question always was: What does menstruation prevent a women from doing? So I became interested in the question of how menstruation interferes with a woman's ability to work. I became aware of how little we knew about normative menstrual function and what are the factors that cause problems and alter it. So I've spent my career trying to understand what is the nature of change in menstruation as a woman ages.

Contact PATRICIA ANSTETT at anstett@freepress.com.

Posted 10:26 AM by heather
Everwoman's Calendar - About the Calendars

Posted 10:24 AM by heather
LinkeSOFT FemDays Menstrual Pocket Calendar

Posted 3:16 PM by heather
NoPeriod.com
100 years ago, the average woman had fewer than 50 periods during her life. Now, the modern woman could have 450 lifetime periods and spends almost 1/2 of her life with monthly periods. This website explores the idea of menstrual suppression with birth control pills.

Posted 5:09 PM by heather
Homeopathic Remedies for Menstrual Problems (PMS and Menorrhagia), Menorrhagia, PMS, Premenstrual Syndrome: Truestar Vitamin and Supplement Plans
Women's Health Plan

Also indexed as: Menorrhagia, PMS, Premenstrual Syndrome

Some women have very little trouble with their menstrual cycles, but others face a monthly ordeal. An array of stressful symptoms—irritability, mood swings, headaches, bloating, water retention, soreness of the breasts—may occur with premenstrual syndrome. Periods can be irregular and troubled, with cramping, menorrhagia (abnormally heavy flow), and various discomforts. Homeopathic remedies often bring relief. Menstrual problems that are chronic or severe are best addressed with the guidance of an experienced practitioner: a constitutional remedy can help to bring balance to a person’s system on many levels. A woman with serious symptoms or extremely heavy bleeding should have an experienced physician’s care. (See also Homeopathic Remedies for Painful Menstruation.)

For dosage information, please read the information at the end of this section. See also “Using Homeopathy With Professional Guidance” in What Is Homeopathy?

Bovista: Premenstrual problems with puffiness in the extremities, fluid retention, and a bloated feeling often indicate a need for this remedy. The woman may feel very awkward and clumsy, and may constantly be dropping things because of swollen-feeling hands. Diarrhea occurring around the time of the menstrual period strongly indicates this remedy.

Calcarea carbonica: PMS with fatigue, anxiety, and a feeling of being overwhelmed suggest a need for this remedy. The woman may have problems with water-retention and weight gain, tender breasts, digestive upsets, and headaches. Periods often come too early and last too long, sometimes with a flow of bright red blood. A general feeling of chilliness, with clammy hands and feet, and cravings for sweets and eggs are other indications for Calcarea.

Caulophyllum: This remedy is often helpful to women with a history of irregular periods, difficulty becoming pregnant, or slow childbirth due to weak muscle tone of the uterus. Symptoms include discomfort during periods and a heavy flow of blood or other discharge. Drawing pains may be felt in the pelvic region, thighs, and legs. Stiffness or arthritis, especially in the finger-joints, often is seen when this remedy is needed.

Chamomilla: A woman likely to respond to this remedy is angry, irritable, and hypersensitive to pain. Cramping may come on, or be intensified, because of emotional upset. Flow can be very heavy, and the blood may look dark or clotted. Problems are often worse at night. Heating pads or exposure to wind may aggravate the symptoms, and motion (such as rocking or brisk walking) may help to reduce the tension and discomfort.

Cimicifuga (also called Actaea Racemosa): This remedy can be helpful for irregular and painful periods, with shooting pains that go down the hips and thighs, or cramps similar to labor-pains that are felt in the pelvic area. Headache with pain and stiffness in the neck and back will often occur with PMS. The woman is likely to be intense and talkative, becoming agitated, fearful, and depressed before a menstrual period.

Kreosotum: Headache, nausea, and a heavy flow that makes the genitals and surrounding skin feel irritated and swollen are indications for this remedy. Kreosotum is often indicated for women with PMS who feel irritable and uncomfortable, and have a strong dislike of sexual activity.

Lachesis: Women who need this remedy are usually intense, with a tremendous need for an outlet, both physically and mentally. Symptoms of PMS include congestion, headaches, flushing, surges of heat, and an intense outspoken irritability—often with strong feelings of suspicion or jealousy. When the flow arrives, it may be heavy, but brings relief of tension. Intolerance of restrictive clothing around the waist or neck is another indication for Lachesis.

Lilium tigrinum: This remedy may be helpful if a woman is inclined toward rage during PMS, makes other people “walk on eggs,” and is extremely sensitive and irritable. Pressure in the rectum and in the pelvic region, with a sensation that the uterus is pushing out, may make her feel a frequent need to sit or cross her legs. Emotions and excitement aggravate the symptoms, and fresh air will often bring relief.

Lycopodium: PMS with a craving for sweets and a ravenous appetite (sometimes a bulimic tendency) suggests a need for this remedy. Digestive upsets with abdominal bloating and flatulence are often seen, with the person feeling worst in the late afternoon and evening. Menstrual periods may be delayed, followed by a heavy flow that goes on for extra days. A woman who needs this remedy often wears a worried look and lacks self-confidence—although she may be irritable and bossy to pets and family members. A desire to be alone, but with someone in the other room, is another indication for Lycopodium.

Natrum muriaticum: A person who needs this remedy usually seems reserved to others, but is deeply emotional inside. She may feel extremely sad and lonely, but gets affronted or angry if others try to console her or sympathize. Depression, anger over minor things, and a need to be alone to cry are often seen when Natrum mur is needed. Menstrual problems can be accompanied by migraines, or a backache that feels better from lying on something hard or pushing a solid object against the painful place. A craving for salt, strong thirst, and a tendency to feel worse from being in the sun are other indications for this remedy.

Nux vomica: When a woman with PMS is extremely impatient, pushy, and intolerant, this remedy may be of use. Uncomfortable, irregular menstrual periods can be experienced, often with a nagging urge to move the bowels before the flow begins. Constipation is common, and constricting pains may extend to the rectum or tailbone region. Anger, mental strain, physical exertion, and overindulgence in coffee, alcohol, or food can aggravate the problems. The woman often feels chilly and improves from warmth and rest.

Pulsatilla: This remedy can be helpful during many conditions involving hormonal changes and is often helpful to girls who have recently started having periods. PMS with irritability, moodiness, and weepiness is typical. Delay or suppression of the menstrual flow can be accompanied by queasy feelings, nausea, and faintness. Being too warm or in a stuffy room makes things worse, and fresh air can bring relief. The timing, amount, and nature of the menstrual flow are changeable—as are the woman’s moods—when Pulsatilla is the remedy. The woman usually is emotional and needy, wanting a lot of attention and comforting.

Sepia: A woman who needs this remedy with PMS feels weary and dragged-out, wanting others (especially family members) to keep their distance. She often feels taken for granted and overworked, becoming irritable or sarcastic if demands are made. Late periods or scanty flow with a feeling that the pelvic floor is weak, or as if the uterus is sagging, often indicates a need for Sepia. Dampness and perspiring may aggravate the symptoms. Warmth and exercise, especially dancing, often restore some energy and brighten up the her mood.

Veratrum album: Menstrual periods with very heavy flow and cramping, with a feeling of exhaustion and icy coldness suggest a need for this remedy. Vomiting and diarrhea are often seen. Periods may start too early and go on too long. The woman feels worse at night, from exercise, and from drinking things that are warm. Cold drinks, small meals, and wrapping up in warm clothes or covers may help to bring improvement.

Homeopathy Dosage Directions

Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X, 6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually printed on the label.

Many homeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.

If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.

For more information, including references, see What is Homeopathy? and Understanding Homeopathic Potencies.

Posted 9:21 PM by heather
Amazon.co.uk: Books: The Pms Bible
Maybe we can create the PMS new testament?

Posted 9:06 PM by heather
First Moon: Our Favorite Books: Ceremonies, Rituals and Girl Power

Posted 9:04 PM by heather
The RedWeb, Biographies

Posted 8:51 PM by heather
PMS prevention: nutritional know-how: "Period drama
by Dr Wynnie Chan

Knowing PMS is coming doesn?t make it any easier to handle. But simple changes to your diet can ease the pain
Every month it?s the same story: one miserable week of stomach cramps, backache, bad moods and bloating. Sound familiar? That?s because every month, eight out of ten women experience at least some of these symptoms when they get their period.

PMS, or Premenstrual Syndrome, describes a range of physical and mental problems that affect women before and during their menstrual cycle. The list above is only the start: some women also suffer from water retention, mood swings, cravings, irritability, depression, anxiety, acne, constipation, diarrhoea and tender breasts.
No one really knows why we suffer from PMS and there?s no proven way to cure it, but a number of tried-and-tested methods do seem to help. Millions of women, for example, have found they can manage their PMS better by adapting their diet. It?s believed this is helpful because food affects levels of oestrogen ? the hormone linked with menstruation. Exercise will also help alleviate painful cramps and boost your mood because it gets endorphins whizzing round your body and these make you feel happier. Here are some things to focus on in your diet:
Carbohydrates Have you ever noticed how you crave certain foods in the run up to and during your period? Chances are, you?ll crave carbs like bread, pasta, potatoes or sweets. Extensive tests have shown that carbohydrates help reduce many PMS symptoms, especially mood swings.

Posted 8:43 PM by heather
PMS, menopause, women's health and strength
Ten Tips for Women with PMS

c.1998 Susun S. Weed
Water retention, mood swings, sore breasts, and indigestion are problems experienced by many women in the week preceeding menstruation. Here are a few tips from Susun Weed's best-selling book, NEW Menopausal Years the Wise Woman Way (Alternatives for Women 30- 90) to help ease these discomforts.

To relieve water retention
1) 10-20 drops of dandelion root tincture in a cup of water with meals and before bed.
2) A strong infusion (one ounce of dried herb in a quart of boiling water, brewed overnight) of the common weed, stinging nettle, not only relieves, but also helps prevent further episodes of water retention. Weed says she drinks a cup or more of this infusion daily whenever she wants to nourish her kidneys and adrenals.



To moderate mood swings
3) Tincture of the flowering tops of fresh motherwort is a favorite calmative of herbalist Weed. She uses 5-10 drops in a small amount of water as a dose, which she repeats as needed, sometimes as frequently as 3-4 times an hour, until the desired effect is achieved. "I never feel drugged or groggy or out-of-it when I use motherwort to help me calm down," she says.
4) For women who consistently feel rage premenstrually, Weed uses 20-30 drops of motherwort tincture twice a day for a month to help stabilize moods and urges the woman to take a moon day -- one day right before or at the start of the menstrual flow which is set aside for you and you alone.
5) One or more cups of an infusion of the herb oatstraw (the grass of the plant that gives us oatmeal) helps the nerves calm down and provides a rich source of minerals known to soothe frazzeled emotions.



To relieve congestion and tenderness in the breasts
6) 20-30 drops of the tincture of cleavers, another common weed, works wonders. This plant, also called "goose grass" was used as a black tea substitute by the colonists. The dose may be repeated every hour or up to 6 times a day.
7) Women who get a lot of calcium and magnesium from their diet (leafy greens, yogurt, and many herbs are rich in these minerals) have less breast tenderness. Increase the minerals in your diet with a cup or more of red clover/mint infusion daily.
8)Large cabbage leaves, steamed whole until soft, and applied as warm as tolerable, can be used as a soothing compress on breasts which are sore and swollen.


To relieve digestive distress
9) A daily doses of 1 teaspoonful/5ml yellow dock root vinegar.
10) A cup of yogurt in the morning (buy it plain and add fruit at home) replaces gut flora and insures easy digestion all day long.

For more information see my book Menopausal Years


Written by: Susun S. Weed, POBox 64, Woodstock NY 12498 1-845-246-8081


For permission to reproduce this article contact us at: susunweed@hvc.rr.com

Posted 3:23 PM by heather
Tampaction

Posted 1:24 AM by heather
Menstrual Cycles:: What Really Happens in those 28 Days?!Have you ever wondered about the connection between your body's 28 day cycle and the cycle of the moon? Here's the theory. In the days before electricity, women's bodies were influenced by the amount of moonlight we saw. Just as sunlight and moonlight affect plants and animals, our hormones were triggered by levels of moonlight. And, all women cycled together. Today, with artificial light everywhere, day and night, our cycles no longer correspond to the moon. This article is dedicated to exploring menses: fact and fiction, then and now.

The philosophic foundation of the Feminist Women's Health Center is 'Knowledge is Power.' We believe when women have complete, unbiased information, they are empowered to make their own decisions leading to healthy whole lives. An important role of the FWHC is to provide information, resources for additional information, and give an analysis of the information we present. Here we describe a typical 28 day menstrual cycle and we begin to challenge the dominant American cultural assumptions about menses.

Consider for a moment all you've heard about menstruation. Who first told you? What did they call it? How is menstruation viewed by your culture? What taboos have influenced you? How does your partner feel about your period? What impact has advertising had on your knowledge and attitude? What is the motivation of the advertiser? Is your experience different now compared to earlier in your life?

Posted 7:00 PM by heather

Menstruation, Sex, Personal Hygiene and the Quran

Posted 11:36 PM by heather
Birth control:
When it comes to birth control, Olivia Haeberle and Alicia Mokwa stand on opposite ends of an expanding spectrum. Haeberle uses CycleBeads — a string of color-coded plastic beads that help women practice natural family planning. White beads, symbolizing peak fertility days, even glow in the dark.

Mokwa relies on NuvaRing — a nickel-sized plastic ring inserted into the vagina that stays there for three weeks, releasing a low, constant stream of hormones into the body to stave off pregnancy. They reflect two different camps. One group of women is clamoring for chemical-free alternatives to the pill and barrier methods. Yet, another set of women doesn't mind — even likes — hormones and is demanding longer-lasting protection. They desire a contraception they only need to think about once a month, not once a day.

Posted 11:21 PM by heather
Israel News : Jerusalem Post Internet Edition: By ATIRA WINCHESTER
A new luxury mikve in Gush Etzion offers women an unexpected spa experience

From the outside, the four-month-old bridal mikve (ritual bath) in Alon Shvut in Gush Etzion doesn't look like much. It's situated in the settlement's new neighborhood, where recently completed homes sit haphazardly alongside empty plots, cement mixers, and houses in various states of completion. Nothing in the immediate area - not the mikve's plain white door, nor the wind whipping around the hills - puts you in the mood for a plunge. But inside, it's a different story.

The bridal mikve has its own private entrance. When you step through the doors, you immediately realize that this isn't just another basic, functional mikve, like those found in any Israeli town. The room that greets you has more in common with a spa or miniature hotel lobby. Replacing the customary strip lights, clinical white tiles, and plastic furniture are elegant hidden lighting, warm, earth-colored tiles, and rattan furniture. The walls are decorated with mosaics of palm trees, reminiscent of an oasis, and the pedestal-operated sink is carved out of what looks like ancient stone. At the side of the sink are carefully folded cotton hand towels. These are just the first impressions of possibly the most luxurious mikve in the country.

Leah Salter is the woman behind the mikve. Originally trained in Israel Studies and informal education at Bar-Ilan University, Salter took the opportunity to go back to college and study interior design when a two-year Jewish Agency posting in England turned into a 10-year sojourn. In the end, Salter found more than a new career in England. When she finally returned to Israel in 2000, she did so with a husband and four children in tow. Almost immediately after coming back home, she began working on making the idea of the bridal mikve a reality.

"The idea was to attract younger women, some of them from the Gush area, but also from elsewhere, who may have bad feelings about using the mikve, who sometimes feel that it's something dark and horrible and dirty," explains Salter. (Jewish law requires that married women use the mikve one week after the end of their menstrual period; their immersion enables them to resume intimate relations with their husbands, which is prohibited during the menstrual period and for one week afterward.)

"We wanted to make a beautiful mikve, one that would connect women to the mikvaot of ancient times. Excavations have found 10 or 12 mikvaot in this area. In the Second Temple period people used to stop and do tevila [ritual immersion] here on their way to the Temple. That way, when they got to Jerusalem, they would already be ritually pure. I think it's important for a person to feel that they're part of a chain of tradition, so the idea here was to make it sort of ancient looking, as if we had found one of those mikvaot and renovated it. The stone on the walls is Herodian style, like the stone that's found at the Western Wall. We wanted to emphasize that we're simply continuing what our forefathers did."

Despite good intentions and clear plans, the mikve, built with money from the government and private donations from abroad, took a while to complete. The intifada meant that building work slowed down, and funds were harder to come by. Eventually, the doors of both this mikve and the larger, simpler mikve adjacent to it, opened in December 2003, three and a half years after work began.

Anyone who has used the mikve will agree that it was worth the wait.

Posted 11:17 PM by heather
Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea:
'Foxy Lady' Harisu will be the first transgender individual to appear in an advertisement for menstrual pads. From the middle of next month, Harisu will be appearing as a model in television and magazine ads for imported 'UFT' sanitary napkins. She'll get a guaranteed W100 million an ad for three months. The selection of Harisu, a transsexual, as the model for menstrual pads is setting the advertising world on fire.

Up till now, male stars like Go Su and Gam U-seong have appeared in sanitary napkin ads, but never has a transgender individual appeared in an ad for such a feminine product. The Taiwanese firm UFT really tried hard to cast Harisu in its ads. In fact, when the singer first learned what the company wanted her to market, she was quite hesitant to agree to the project.

UFT, however, explained that the sanitary pads are a cutting-edge product that not only gives women that spring-fresh feeling, but also prevents menstrual cramps. Hearing this, the singer eventually accepted the offer. This ad will be Harisu's first in three years.

Her TV ads will be shot early next month, after which they'll hit the screens. Her printed ads should be in magazines late this month. Harisu, who's hit song 'Foxy Lady' has made her quite busy lately, will return to Korea on Friday. She is currently in the United States, where she will perform a concert after being selected as the 'Korean Artist We'd Most Like to See' by the LA Korean Chamber of Commerce.

Posted 6:32 PM by heather
PMS Predicts Problem Menopause, More Hot Flashes, Mood Swings Reported Later in Life for PMS Sufferers By Salynn Boyles
WebMD Medical News
Reviewed By Charlotte Grayson, MD on Wednesday, May 05, 2004

May 5, 2004 -- Women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are likely to have a harder time later in life during the transition to menopause, new research shows.

In a study published in the May issue of the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology, investigators found that PMS suffers were twice as likely to experience hot flashes and mood swings as they approached "the change" as women who did not have PMS.

read entire article

Posted 6:44 PM by heather
PMS Women's literary journal

Posted 8:03 PM by heather
PMS AND CHINESE MEDICINE

In the U.S. today, premenstrual syndrome has become epidemic. The most common complaint associated with P.M.S. is emotional instability. These "mood swings" can last for one or two days or may last as long as 2-3 weeks. Mood swings may present as depression, irritability, easy crying or anger. Other symptoms associated with P.M.S. include digestive disorders, breast swelling and tenderness, menstrual cramping, headaches, edema or insomnia.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (T.C.M.) is able to offer an understanding of the underlying factors that may give rise to PMS. The syndrome becomes a metaphor relative to each woman's constitutional nature, allowing the treatment plan to be refined and customized to individual complaints.

Read more at http://www.acupuncture-nc.com/pms.html

Posted 10:22 PM by heather
From the beginning of 'A Twisted Sense of God pt1' by Chuck D and the Fine Arts Militia

"I was talking to my assistant a couple of months back, and while we were talking about the obvious differences in men and women, I had to give up and say that men couldn't handle the period cycles that women go through. She countered and told me that men do have periods . . . They're called WARS."